War in China developed → war was on its way to Europe as well.
War broke out in Europe → Sept 1939
- Britain, France, Netherlands → all had large territories → in SEA → that they could not possibly defend → while they were at war with Germany.
June 1941 → Hitler broke his pact with Stalin → and invaded USSR.
- meant that USSR → had to defend itself from Germany’s attack
Events were advantageous → from Japans POV.
- USSR became less of a threat → Japan had golden opportunity to take over colonies → of Western Powers → in Asia-Pacific
1941 → had taken control of French Indochina (present day Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia)
Things were going well for Japan → but leaders were concerned